Revised Battle Hill plan out for consultation

Greater Wellington has released a revised draft of the Battle Hill Management Plan for public consultation with significant changes including the prohibition of wind turbines.

This is a change from the previous draft, which allowed for wind turbines. "The Council has given a lot of thought to issues around wind farms and our regional parks, and we wish to consult with the public on the draft plan now that these changes have been made," says Cr Rex Kirton, Chairman of Greater Wellington's Parks, Forests and Utilities Committee.

Other significant changes include improved biodiversity protection, permission for hang and paragliding at the ranger's discretion, and occasional restricted 4WD club access through to Puketiro Forest.

As with the previous draft, the new draft allows for access through Battle Hill to the proposed wind farm on neighbouring land, a possible overhead powerline to Transmission Gully and use of air-space for wind turbine blade flyover.

For a copy of the revised draft, phone 04 802 0327, email battlehill@gw.govt.nz or download it from Greater Wellington's website at www.gw.govt.nz/battlehillplan.

The closing date for submissions is 5pm 2 March 2009.